Who We Are
Explore Ecology is an environmental education and arts nonprofit located in Santa Barbara, California. We work with over 35,000 children a year with a focus on Watershed Education, School Gardens, Waste Reduction, and Creative Exploration. Our programs combine art and ecology to foster creative thinking and connection between people and the environment. Our work inspires children to engage with the natural world, think critically, and experience the value of environmental stewardship.
Our programs include the Art From Scrap Creative ReUse Store and Gallery, the Watershed Resource Center, Environmental Education, Art and Nature Exploration Summer Camps, and the School Gardens Program.
Mission
The mission of Explore Ecology is to promote a greater understanding of the connections between people and their environment and to encourage creative thinking through hands-on environmental education and artistic expression. We empower our community to protect and preserve the environment through environmental education and creative exploration.
History of Explore Ecology
Explore Ecology is the culmination of years of evolution from our original Art From Scrap program started in 1990 as a volunteer effort by a group of parents concerned about the lack of funding for art programs in the schools, Over the years, Art From Scrap’s programming expanded to include a Creative ReUse Store, a large Community Arts Program, and extensive Environmental Education and School Gardens Programs. After many years and a name change to Explore Ecology, we continue to educate our community through programs that combine environmental awareness and creative exploration.